Professional Biography
Robert Morales has worked in the automotive service and repair field since 1995. Since joining YA Group, he has effectively applied his knowledge and experience to the field of accident reconstruction, utilizing engineering protocols developed by senior engineers. He has focused his research on computer simulations, accident reconstruction animation, and analytical theories applied to the dynamic response of a vehicle during a collision.
Robert is trained in 3D scanning technology using FARO 3D scanners, as well as sophisticated software programs to process the scanner data. Robert has conducted vehicle inspections, site inspections, advanced computer simulations, test data acquisition, computer scripting, and software programming.
He previously worked in the area of automotive manufacturing with an emphasis on body, chassis, mechanical, and electrical systems. He has also worked with trailer manufacturers and construction equipment design, developing brake-line systems for small trailers, power generator enclosures, trailer frames, power generator electrical distributions, and air compressors.
Credentials & Certifications
- SAE – Accident Reconstruction Certificate Program, 2020
- CDR – Technician (Crash Data Group), 2017
- LEVA – Certified Forensic Video Technician
Professional Experience
- Senior Forensic Engineer | YA Engineering Services | 2023 - Current
- Senior Forensic Engineer | Momentum Engineering Corp. | 2015 - 2023
- Senior Lead Engineer | MMD Equipment Inc. | 2011 - 2015
- Production Manager | Ford Collision Center | 2005 - 2011
- Operations Assistant Manager | Toyota of El Salvador | 1995 - 2005
Practices & Skillsets
- Heavy Trucking
Publications and Presentations
- Morales, R., Gamboa, J., Nguyen, B., Siddiqui, O. et al., “Accuracy and Validation of Geotab GPS Fleet Tracking Devices”, SAE Technical Paper (2021)
Education
- Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Los Angeles, California
- Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, California State University, Los Angeles, California
- Bachelor of Science, Manufacturing Engineering, California State University, Los Angeles, California
- Bachelor of Science, Software and Computer Engineering, Technological University, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Multi-year , SATAI Conference and Crash Tests
- Multi-year , ARC Accident Reconstruction Conference
- May 2021 , LEVA Level 2: Forensic Video Analysis & The Law
- February 2021 , LEVA Level 1: Forensic Video Analysis & The Law
- June 2020 , iNPUT ACE, Online Video Evidence Training Symposium
- March 2020 , HVE SIMON 3D Collision Model
- October 2019 , SAE, Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems
- March 2019 , HVE DyMESH 3D Collision Model
- March 2019 , Advanced HVE 2D and 3D Simulations
- December 2018, SAE, Applied Vehicle Dynamics
- November 2018, Controller Area Network (CAN) for Vehicle Applications
- July-August 2018, Creative Photo Academy Photography Boot Camp
- June 2018 , Tesla EDR Training
- May 2018, Accessing and Interpreting Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders
- April 2018, Vehicle Crash Reconstruction: Principles and Technology
- February 2018, PCC Crash Workshop
- January 2018 , HVE Crush Analysis and Simulation Fundamentals
- December 2017 , Photogrammetry and Analysis of Digital Media
- December 2017 , Applying Automotive EDR Data to Traffic Crash Reconstruction
- June 2017, Improving Scene Diagrams and Animations with FARO® Zone 3D
- July 2017 , Tire and Wheel Safety Issues
- September 2015, CDR Technician Certification Course